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The Susquehanna County Commissioners held a Public Hearing on December 29, 2025 at 1 o'clock pm at the Susquehanna County Courthouse to adopt Ordinance 2025-01, an Ordinance amending the Susquehanna County Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). Twenty eight people signed in at the beginning of the hearing and an unaccounted number of others were outside the meeting room.

Commissioner Alan Hall stated he wants to deal with the facts and not the fear. The County is not building a data center, they are not proposing a data center, they are not negotiating with anyone to build one, there is no project before them today. What is before them is an amendment to the Land Use Ordinance developed and approved by the Susquehanna County Planning Commission. Involved in the development were engineers, attorneys, Planning Commission and Commissioners that simply establishes clear rules in the event of data center or similarly large-scale use is ever proposed in the future. This is about preparedness not promotion. The development of the SALDO included review of ordinances from across the commonwealth, conversations with commissioners and other county departments across the commonwealth and conversations with authorities from other states. This Ordinance was developed and approved by the Susquehanna Planning Commission so that if an application ever comes across there are clear applications from the start. This Amendment to the Ordinance does not approve any project, it's just guardrails so that residents know what is allowed and what is not and how all decisions will be made. We appreciate the Susquehanna Planning Commissions work and the public input that has helped shape this. It should be said other municipalities have their own zoning and land development and this will not be controlled unless they approve it.

In order to speak at the hearing Brad Cydorick the Court Reporter swore people in who intended to speak. There were seven people who raised their hands.

Valerie Senese spoke first and stated she felt this was a good plan and was not objecting to it. She wanted to bring their attention to 713.6 Dimensional Standards, Section C and suggested the set back currently written as 200 feet should be increased. She also suggested 713.7 Section B Landscape Buffer should have clearer specifications of how it would appear from the road and residential property.

Candace Graham suggested adding a water usage study to be conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before approving the permit.

Steve Cosgrove was concerned about the height of the building reflected in Section 713.6 Dimensional Standards since there are only volunteer fire fighters in the area and was concerned they may not have a ladder company to provide adequate coverage. He stated he has been in HVAC as a career and rooftop units are very noisy the decibel level of 67 may not be strict enough.

Nona Williams is concerned about the sound level. She would like to see strict controls since she lives close to a gas well and sometimes the noise if very loud and other times it is normal.

Kerry Foose suggested adding continuous monitoring for sound. Pertaining to 713.8 Noise and Vibration.

Chase Popoloski recommended water usage limits, an upper limit and a clearer boundary in the amendment.

Person number seven stated his question was asked and answered. No further comment.

Commissioner Hall thanked everyone for their suggestions which will be handed over to the Susquehanna Planning Commission for review. They will review it and make changes, if necessary it can always be amended.

There were no further comments and the hearing was closed.

The Commissioners called a regular meeting to order a few minutes after the hearing and adopted Ordinance 2025-01.

Registration is now open for a celebrated annual event in Susquehanna County – Ag Day returns for the 36th year on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00am to 3:00pm at Montrose Area High School. The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is requested.

Hosted by Penn State Extension, Ag Day invites the local agricultural community to gather for social connectivity, educational presentations, and a vendor expo. Over 75 agribusinesses, associations, and industry supporters, as well as Penn State Extension program staff, members of the Susquehanna County Farm Bureau, and elected officials, will be on hand. Attend classroom sessions, visit with representatives from local community resources, and bid on fresh baked pies to benefit 4-H Youth Development and the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion.

Learn from Master Gardener volunteers, local Penn State Extension Educators, and guest presenters during workshops and demonstrations on pesticide education, hydroponics, farm safety, soil testing, farm succession planning, common garden questions, riparian buffers, nutrition education and recipes for spring produce.

Although there is no charge for general attendee admission, advanced registration is requested. The registration deadline is March 4. Lunch is included for those who register in advance, and complimentary ice cream is provided by the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion. Registration is available online at https://extension.psu.edu/susquehanna-county-farm-and-home-day or by calling 1-877-345-0691.

Local agricultural tradeshow vendors are invited to participate as an event sponsor or exhibitor by reviewing the event information and registering online at the above-listed website. Last year, Ag Day attracted over 700 attendees.

Penn State Extension Susquehanna County is located at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, PA 18801.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.